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When you purchased a printer for your office, it came with an instruction manual that indicated the type of ink the machine accepts. The manufacturer recommends certain types of ink because the incorrect kind can produce inferior printing results. In some cases, the wrong ink cartridge won't fit in the machine or the printer will refuse to accept it. Even if you misplaced your printer's manual, you can still find out the type of ink the machine needs.

1. Read your printer's instruction manual, if you have it. The manual will usually tell you what kind of ink the printer requires.

2. Inspect the printer's packaging or the packaging of the latest ink cartridge you've purchased. The ink type is normally printed on both boxes.

3. Look for the ink reference card that came with your printer, if applicable. Some printer manufacturers, such as HP, put this card in the box with your printer.

4. Open the printer and allow the ink carrier to move to the center of the machine. Look at the product number printed on each cartridge. If you don't see a number on the top of a cartridge, remove it from the printer. Look for the number printed on a sticker on the side of the cartridge.

5. Determine your printer's make and model. If you don't have the documentation that came with the printer, inspect the machine for a model number printed on the bottom, back or side.

6. Go to your printer manufacturer's website and look up the machine's model number. Read the printer's description or documentation to find the type of ink it needs.

Tips

If you still can't find the kind of ink your printer accepts, call or email the manufacturer's customer support team.

If you have a laser printer, it requires a toner cartridge, not an ink cartridge.

Warning

Third-party ink cartridges or cartridge refill kits may save you money, but they're not approved by your printer's manufacturer. The manufacturer will not accept responsibility if the cartridge damages your printer.

About the Author

Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.